India may be softening its stance on the issue of carbon emission cuts, a move that could shake up the global dynamics ahead of the Copenhagen climate change summit in December.

The Times of India on Monday cited a confidential Oct. 13 letter written by Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in which Mr. Ramesh suggested India accept commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions without any reciprocal guarantee of climate-related financing and technology.

India has been one of the leaders among developing countries opposed to the imposition of unilateral caps on carbon emissions, arguing that their economies have not historically been the chief pollutants and that they needed to focus on economic growth rather than emissions curbs. This month, though, India has moderated its tone and started talking of being a “deal-maker” at global climate talks.

The Times of India said Mr. Ramesh is keen for India not to be seen as a deal-breaker…